Fastest way from Nottingham to Manchester: Flight (1 stop), about 2h 5min (from €73). Cheapest: Coach, from €6 (about 2h 45min – 4h 35min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): National Express, FlixBus; main departure point: Nottingham Broadmarsh Bus Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Nottingham to Manchester
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 5, 2026 for a departure on November 26, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Nottingham Broadmarsh Bus Station | €6 | 3 |
| National Express | Bus | Nottingham Broadmarsh Bus Station | €20 | 4 |
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Practical tips
Coach fares are lowest when you book ahead and rise as seats fill. Once your date is fixed, reserve online instead of buying at the station, particularly for Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons and bank holiday weekends.
Turn-up-and-go rail tickets are often the priciest way to travel in Britain. If you consider the train, compare it with the coach first, and only pick it if an advance ticket is available for your date.
Large cities often have several stops and stations. Read your e-ticket for the precise departure point and platform information, and look it up on a map the day before so you do not head to the wrong place.
A flight with a stopover adds airport transfers, security queues and a connection. Unless it fits into a longer itinerary, the coach is usually simpler, and it avoids the risk of missing a connecting flight.
Taking the final coach of the day leaves no margin if there is a delay or a sell-out. Choose an earlier departure, arrive at the stop in good time and keep your e-ticket saved on your phone.
The journey experience
Getting from Nottingham to Manchester is a straightforward trip, and you can know in seconds which option suits you. For most independent travellers on a budget, the coach is the obvious starting point, while a flight with a stopover exists but rarely makes sense once you count airport time and connections. The comparison table on this page puts both side by side so you can decide quickly.
The coach is the budget-friendly choice: you ride in a reclining seat, usually with a luggage hold, often with free wifi and power sockets, and you step off close to the city centre. Services run through the day, so you have some flexibility if your plans change. The flight with a stopover is a different proposition: it involves airport transfers, security checks and a connection, which makes it more complicated than the distance suggests. It can suit you only if you are already linking it to a longer itinerary.
The main trap with British travel is that fares move a lot depending on the day, the hour and how early you book. Coach prices tend to reward early booking, so reserve once your date is fixed, especially around bank holidays and summer weekends when popular departures sell out. Check the departure point on your e-ticket before leaving, keep a margin for your connections, and avoid the last departure of the day if you can. Booking online gives you instant e-ticket confirmation.
Frequently asked questions — Nottingham → Manchester
The coach is the cheapest option, with fares from €6 and typically up to €21 depending on the day and how early you book. A flight with a stopover starts from €73 and is typically up to €80. Booking the coach early usually gets you the lowest price.
By coach, the journey takes between about 2 h 45 and 4 h 35 depending on the service and traffic. A flight with a stopover is listed at about 2 h 05 to 2 h 10, but that figure does not include getting to the airport, security checks and waiting time.
For most independent travellers, the coach is the best choice: it is the cheapest, runs through the day and drops you near the city centre. The flight with a stopover is faster on paper, but once airport transfers and security are added, the advantage largely disappears.
Choose the coach if you want the lowest fare, simple logistics and no airport hassle. Consider the flight with a stopover only if it connects to a longer journey. Compare both in the table on this page before you book.
Your departure point is shown on your e-ticket after booking online, with instant confirmation. Check it before you leave, as large cities can have several stops or stations. Save the ticket on your phone and arrive at the stop in good time.
Why visit Manchester?
- ✓ Explore the National Football Museum and tour Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester United and Manchester City
- ✓ Dive into the Science and Industry Museum, set in the world's oldest passenger railway station at Castlefield
- ✓ Discover the Northern Quarter's street art, independent record shops, vintage stores and craft-beer bars
- ✓ Catch live music at the Albert Hall or Manchester Academy, following in the footsteps of Oasis, The Smiths and Joy Division
- ✓ Wander the Victorian canals of Castlefield and Salford Quays, then visit The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North
When to visit Manchester?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mildest temperatures and longest days, though rain remains possible all year round
What to do in Manchester?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Manchester?
Plan 2 to 3 days to cover Manchester properly. In 2 days, combine the Northern Quarter, the Science and Industry Museum, the John Rylands Library and a football experience at Old Trafford or the National Football Museum. A third day lets you add Salford Quays (MediaCityUK, The Lowry, Imperial War Museum North) or a day trip to the Peak District. Book match or stadium tour tickets well ahead, and carry a light waterproof whatever the season.
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